Mark Your Calendars! (Updated 2/17)

Here's a sampling of some upcoming events sponsored by the City of Pasadena:

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 to 8 p.m. – An update of Pasadena’s Bicycle Master Plan will begin with a community meeting in the Council Chamber (S249) at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. (626) 744-7254.

Wednesday, Feb. 18 -- 1 p.m. – This week’s movie in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. is “Pride” starring Terrence Howard as the real-life Jim Ellis, a determined coach who starts a swim team for troubled teens in Philadelphia. (626) 744-4066.

Thursday, Feb. 19 -- 7 p.m. – The 2009 L.A. Opera Talks series begins with a fun and lively talk on the new opera “The Birds” in the Donald R. Wright Auditorium at Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut St. (626) 744-4066.

Friday, Feb. 20 -- 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Today is the deadline if you’re interested in submitting an application for one of two at-large community seats on the General Plan Update Advisory Committee. (626) 744-4311.

Friday, Feb. 20, 1:30 p.m. – Destination Employment offers assistance to job-seekers at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-7268.

Saturday, Feb. 21 -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Black History Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Charles White Park in Altadena and end at Robinson Park in Pasadena. It will be followed by a family festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Robinson Park. (626) 744-7300.

The update of the Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan will begin officially with a free open house event Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the courtyard at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave., including an 11:30 a.m. discussion with Will Rogers, president and CEO of The Trust for Public Land, children's activities and much more. (626) 744-6767.

"The Hummingbird's Daughter"

The book selection for Pasadena’s seventh One City, One Story community reading celebration is “The Hummingbird’s Daughter” by Luis Alberto Urrea.


I just started reading it on Tuesday night and I'm about 100 pages into the substantial biographical novel.

Part folk tale, part history and 100% mesmerizing, it takes place in revolutionary-era Mexico in the late 19th century and is filled with vaqueros, bandits, indigenous Yaquis and a whole cast of other characters.

At the heart of it all is Teresita, known in Mexico to this day as La Santa de Cabora. Born to an impoverished mother who abandons her, she seems destined to live in dire poverty at the hands of her abusive aunt until Teresita, just a small child, walks into a certain house one day and her life begins to change forever.

My favorite character -- so far -- is Huila, a powerful, cantankerous healer who lovingly, patiently shows Teresita that she is worth something while encouraging her natural, mystical gifts.

Urrea completed two decades of research about his ancestor before writing "The Hummingbird's Daughter.


One City, One Story community activities and events, including book discussion groups, a film series, lectures and more, will be scheduled in March. I'll keep you posted on that.

I am very excited to announce the the author will speak to the community about "The Hummingbird's Daughter" during a free event Sunday, April 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center.

You'll find more information here.

Get the book! You can check it out at Pasadena Central Library or you can buy it at Vromans.